Herniated Disc

What is a herniated disc?

Spinal discs are the shock absorbers between the spinal vertebrae.  They are like jelly donuts – soft and pulpy on the inside, and fibrous on the outside.

Like a jelly doughnut, when your spinal disc is compressed, some of the jelly from the inside may bulge out and press on the spinal nerve nearby — a bulging disc. 

Or, the pulpy inside of your disc may push through the fibrous part and compress the spinal cord or spinal nerve next to it — a herniated disc. 

However, whether you have a bulging or herniated disc, the goal is to reduce the pressure on the disc to alleviate the nerve compression. 

What are herniated disc symptoms?

It’s possible to have a herniated disc and not know it, especially if the bulging or herniated disc isn’t compressing the spinal cord or a nearby spinal nerve. However, if your bulging or herniated disc is compressing a nerve, you may experience various symptoms such as:

• Neck or back pain

• Arm or leg pain

• Tingling or numbness that radiates to your extremities

• Muscle weakness

• Electric shock-like sensations

You can develop a herniated disc in any part of your spine. However, they most often occur in the lumbar spine (lower back) and cervical spine (neck). 

What can I expect during a herniated disc evaluation?

When you come in to see Dr. Kowal for a herniated disc evaluation, you can expect a comprehensive exam. Dr. Kowal is an experienced chiropractor who takes a gentle approach to care.

During your evaluation, Dr. Kowal asks detailed questions about your symptoms, including when they started, the types of symptoms you experience, and activities that worsen or alleviate your symptoms.

He also conducts an orthopedic and neurological exam as well as a spinal exam focusing on alignment, flexibility, and mobility. 

X-rays and MRIs aren’t usually needed before Dr. Kowal starts treatment. However, if necessary, he will make the appropriate orthopedic referral and help you to get a consultation scheduled as soon as possible.

How is a herniated disc treated?

Dr. Kowal first addresses the painful areas, whether they result from trauma or chronic overuse. These methods include gentle joint mobilization and myofascial release techniques.  He doesn’t use the “cracking type” maneuvers that you may associate with chiropractic care.

Treatment does not stop with attention to the painful areas. In the treatment process, Dr. Kowal also pays careful attention to how you move and hold yourself, in addition to where you hurt. Addressing faulty movement patterns can be the key to lasting pain relief.

In addition to his gentle hands-on techniques, Dr. Kowal also provides a home care program for you to follow after your first visit. This program includes the “what to do” and the “what not to do” so you can get better as quickly as possible.

Most patients begin to experience improvement in their symptoms as soon as they begin treatment.

Don’t let your disc problems keep you from doing the things you enjoy. Contact the office of Dr. Richard Kowal by phone or online today to get immediate and long-term relief.